About Young Leaders Initiative

On September 19, 2016, the Office of the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth will unveil the inaugural class of the Young Leaders for the Sustainable Development Goals – 17 young change-makers whose leadership is catalyzing the achievement of the Goals.

From food to fashion to finance, the Young Leaders for the SDGs come from many different backgrounds, represent every region in the world and help young people worldwide in support of the Goals.

Convened by the Envoy on Youth, the Young Leaders for the SDGs have been recognized for their leadership and contribution to a more sustainable world. They will come together as a community to support efforts to engage young people in the realization of the SDGs both through strategic opportunities with the UN and through their existing initiatives, platforms and networks.

The Young Leaders for the SDGs will:

Advocate for the Goals, in ways most accessible and relatable to young people across different contexts;

Promote innovative ways of engaging their audiences and peers in the advocacy and realization of the Goals;

Contribute to a brain trust of young leaders supporting the UN and partners for key moments and initiatives related to the Goals.

Each year, a new “Class” will be nominated through an open call for nominations and assessed according to robust selection criteria by a diverse selection committee.

The Young Leaders Initiative is powered by the Office of the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth, in collaboration with our partners. The Initiative is a part of the Global Youth Partnership for Sustainable Development Goals, launched in 2015 and housed in the Envoy’s Office.